The mouthpiece is located on the first segment of the ney, this is also the segment know as the sound box. This mouthpiece aids in producing a richer and clearer sound at the same time producing higher volumes. It also aids the player in producing the desired sounds easier. The original neys are known to be played without any mouthpiece, we can still see this in many Arab nations around the world today. The mouthpiece is known to have been introduced by the Ottomans in the 16th century and has since become widespread around the world and still in use today. The mouthpiece is still produced from buffalo horn today as it was in the past. Suitable buffalo horn for the mouthpiece must be obtained from elder buffalo with an average age of between 20-25 years. This is because younger buffalo horns are usually underdeveloped and hollow inside, which makes it unsuitable for production. However, finding such material has become almost impossible due to a significant reduction in buffalo farming and production, most buffalos will not reach the required age. Various other materials can be used in the construction of the mouthpiece for example ivory (not highly preferred because of high manufacturing cost), delrin, ebony, and boxwood. Professional mouthpiece maker and Neyzen Salih Bilgin has designed a new form of mouthpiece designed using both buffalo horn and valuable timbers together in the one mouthpiece. These mouthpieces are processed and function similar to horn mouthpieces. Its chamber and mouth section are horn and its circular skirting section is timber. These mouthpieces are aesthetically pleasing and look great as a result of dual materials and colours. Buffalo horns are processed on a lathing machine and require great detail, attention and expertise.
Mouthpieces produced in our workshop are constructed using the above materials mentioned, we use a special single type of material as a standard for our neys. These mouthpieces are aesthetically pleasing in all aspects such as design, colour, shine, strength, performance and its sound tone is very close to that produced of buffalo horn. Our mouthpieces are all produced to a standard. The opening end of the mouthpiece can be customized for the player according to their preference and can be changed to be produced at 16-17-18 mm. The standard height of the mouthpiece is 18 mm. The width is also a standard and varies between 18-19-20-21-22-23-24 mm. In the possible event of a lost mouthpiece a replacement one can be arranged upon quoting the serial number of the ney which contains the original measurements. The conical, chamber and mouth opening dimensions can be specialized to each players own preferences.
